Introduction
Literature is among the most powerful tools for conveying strong messages about the past and issues of the present. For example, Louise Erdrich’s short story “American Horse” is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that demonstrates the tension between Western and Native American forces.
On a smaller scale, one sees the story of Buddy and how he was separated from his mother, Albertine American Horse, and relatives. On a larger scale, the narrative focuses on the clash between the Native Americans and colonialists who disrupt the dynamics of native culture. Thus, although it was a beautiful experience to see the motherly love, it was devastating to see the discrimination and bias faced by the Native American community whose feelings and rights were violated by the white welfare officers.
Story Analysis
From the beginning, the author uses techniques to introduce the woman and her child to the reader. For example, direct quotes allow the reader to understand the deep love of the mother for her son, who believes that he is “the best thing that ever happened to [her]” (Erdrich, 2001, p.378). However, the author emphasizes the distrust of Native Americans toward law enforcement, and there is a reason for this. By slowly progressing into the story, Erdrich shows how two welfare officers, Brackett and Vicki Koob, came to take Buddy away from his family since they believed that the child’s conditions were inappropriate (Erdrich, 2001).
By observing the communication between the officers and Uncle Lawrence, it becomes evident that there is a bias toward the Native people. Although one does not have a full picture of Buddy’s life, the readers become exposed to the prejudice held by the welfare officers. As Koob believed, Uncle Lawrence probably had a mental illness, and the mother was always intoxicated (Erdrich, 2001). Officer Brackett even put handcuffs on Uncle Lawrence despite the man not being violent (Erdrich, 2001). As a result, the issue of rights violation and prejudice is highlighted.
The given story is a nuanced and multifaceted portrayal of the challenges facing Native American communities. Although reading a story was challenging due to the sadness invoked by Buddy’s separation from his mother, the experience was additionally eye-opening. Aside from discussing the theme of family, where blood connections are prioritized and valued, the author illuminates the theme of brutality and bias toward Native American communities.
As seen from the story, the family of Albertine not only distrusts the police but feels threatened and unprotected by the same people who have to support them. Meanwhile, such negative attitudes are supported by the fact that the local communities are not supported. Therefore, Erdrich creates a beautiful and tragic world, with beautiful motherly love yet a tragic separation of the family.
Conclusion
Hence, although witnessing the motherly love was a beautiful experience, it was heartbreaking to witness the prejudice and discrimination the Native American people endured as the white welfare agents violated their rights and feelings. The author employs strategies to introduce the reader to the mother and her child. The author does, however, underline that there is a reason why Native Americans fear the police. Koob thought that the mother was constantly inebriated and that Uncle Lawrence likely had a mental illness. The presented story gives a detailed and thorough picture of the difficulties Native American people confront.
Reference
Erdrich, L. (2001). American Horse. Web.
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